The old tote building at Foxton's racecourse will be repurposed into a creative hub for art recyclers.
The art hub has been operating out of Square Edge Community Arts Building in Palmerston North for 26 years.
A passion for combating the growing effect of disposable plastic on the environment has led Foxton's Amba Wright to spearhead the relocation.
Ms Wright had been volunteering at the centre when she heard it was closing and seized the opportunity to keep it going.
She said that by establishing a Trust and moving the Centre to Foxton, she hoped to challenge society's disposable mentality.
"My vision is for it to be a place where creative souls can forage, an interactive art hub that helps minimise waste and brings about awareness for positive practices," she said.
"We plan to extend what the Art Recycling Centre offered, to include restoring furniture, offering classes and workshops in creative upcycling, promoting the arts in Horowhenua and educating sustainable living practices," she said.
The Trust has 13 trustees and five volunteers but will need all the help it can muster as the Trust has a lot of work ahead of it.
"I'm overwhelmed with the level of interest, excitement and support I have received already for this community project," she said.
The old tote building at Foxton's racecourse stood out as the perfect location.
"It offers generous space, a tranquil environment, great natural light and a huge amount of charm," she said.
Much like the restoration activities it would house, the old tote building is in a state of disrepair. "I feel the Foxton racecourse is a significant part of Foxton's heritage. It needs restoration."
The Trust's hurdle currently is replacing the roof.
"We are actively sourcing funds to get this job done so the building is watertight. This will save the building from eventually being demolished," she said.
The Trust is inviting anyone passionate about preserving the environment to get involved with the restoration of the tote building.
An initiative has been set up to replace the broken windows along one side of the building.
The Trust is inviting community members to sponsor a window, which would be replaced with a horse-themed leadlight artwork with the sponsor's name on a plaque beneath.
Ms Wright is applying for grants.
It plans to hold a garage sale fundraiser and welcomes donations of goods. People can arrange for donations to be picked up and sponsorship by phoning 027 600 8638.
To keep up to date with the project, follow The Recycling Centre on Facebook.